Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Uninsured Children in Texas

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• National data indicates 12% of US children use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
• Uninsured pediatric populations may exhibit higher CAM utilization due to limited healthcare access.
• Previous research suggests specific demographics may have increased CAM use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of CAM use in an uninsured pediatric population.
• To explore the relationship between parental and child CAM usage patterns.
• To assess the frequency of CAM discussions between families and healthcare providers.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among 250 uninsured patients at a free pediatric mobile clinic.
• Data collected included CAM usage by children and parents in the preceding 12 months.
• Statistical analysis examined correlations between child and parent CAM use and physician discussions.

Main Results:

• CAM use was reported by 45% of children and 59% of parents in the surveyed population.
• A significant association was found: 91% of children using CAM had parents who also used CAM.
• Physician discussions regarding CAM were infrequent, with only 3% of parents and 2% of children ever discussing it.

Conclusions:

• CAM utilization is substantial within this uninsured, largely Hispanic pediatric cohort.
• Parental CAM use strongly correlates with child CAM use in this population.
• Healthcare providers should proactively inquire about CAM use due to low disclosure rates and significant utilization.